Let me tell you a secret about three-point shooting that most players overlook - it's not just about making shots, it's about knowing when to take them. I've spent years analyzing basketball statistics and player performances, and the data from UP's recent game where Alarcon dropped 24 points while going 4-of-8 from beyond the arc perfectly illustrates my point. What separates great shooters from average ones isn't just their shooting percentage - it's their shot selection and understanding of spacing.
When I first started coaching, I used to think three-point shooting was all about perfect form and endless repetition. Then I watched players like Alarcon who understand that creating separation and reading defensive rotations matter just as much as having a sweet stroke. The numbers don't lie - in that same game, Torres contributed 10 points with 2 three-pointers, but what impressed me more was how he moved without the ball to get those open looks. That's the kind of basketball IQ that transforms good shooters into great ones.
Here's something most coaches won't tell you - I actually prefer players who take smart threes over those who just shoot a high percentage. Remogat's performance, adding 11 points with calculated attempts, shows exactly what I mean. He didn't force shots, but when the defense gave him that extra foot of space, he didn't hesitate. That split-second decision making is what separates NBA-level shooters from college players. I've seen too many players practice thousands of shots but never learn when to pull the trigger in game situations.
The real secret sauce? It's in the footwork before the catch. Watching Stevens nail his lone three-pointer in that game reminded me of working with professional shooters - they're already squared up before the ball even reaches their hands. Most amateur players waste precious milliseconds getting their feet set, but pros like Steph Curry (who I've studied extensively) are ready to fire the moment they catch the ball. That's why I always tell my players to practice catching in shooting position, not just shooting itself.
What really grinds my gears is when coaches focus solely on shooting percentage without considering context. Look at Fortea and Bayla - both contributed 6 points with efficient shooting, but what matters more to me is that they took quality shots within the flow of the offense. I'd rather have a player shoot 35% on good looks than 45% on contested prayers. The analytics back this up - teams that take smarter threes consistently outperform their expected point totals.
Let me share a personal coaching philosophy I've developed over the years - the best three-point shooters are actually great decision makers first. Nnoruka's 5 points came from picking his spots perfectly, while Abadiano's 4 points showed restraint in not forcing attempts when better options were available. This situational awareness is something I drill into my players constantly. We spend as much time watching film and understanding defensive schemes as we do shooting drills.
The transformation happens when players stop thinking of themselves as shooters and start seeing themselves as offensive weapons. Palanca's single three-pointer might seem insignificant in the box score, but I guarantee it stretched the defense and created driving lanes for others. That's the hidden value of three-point shooting that doesn't show up in traditional stats. Modern basketball has evolved to where the threat of the three is almost as valuable as making them.
Here's my controversial take - I believe we're still in the early stages of the three-point revolution. The game will continue evolving toward more sophisticated shooting strategies, and players who master both the technique and mental aspects will dominate. Looking at that UP roster, the balanced scoring from three-point range (with contributions from multiple players) represents where basketball is heading - everyone needs to be a threat from deep.
Ultimately, transforming your three-point game comes down to embracing both the art and science of shooting. It's not enough to have perfect form if you can't read defenses, and it's worthless to have high basketball IQ without the shooting chops to back it up. The most successful shooters I've worked with understand this balance - they respect the fundamentals while constantly adapting to how defenses play them. That's the real secret that will elevate your game from good to great.